The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has reported significant progress in its nationwide School Hockey Development Program, with 711 schools from 54 districts across the country having completed registration.
PHF reports major progress in nationwide School Hockey Development Prog
ISLAMABAD, Aug 16 (APP): The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has reported significant progress in its nationwide School Hockey Development Program, with 711 schools from 54 districts across the country having completed registration.
According to the PHF, the rising number of school registrations reflects a renewed interest in hockey at the grassroots level and the establishment of a structured platform for young players, particularly through U-15 school teams.
District data shows that Karachi and Toba Tek Singh are leading with 114 registered schools each. They are followed by Rawalpindi with 89, Rahim Yar Khan with 68, Jhang with 53, Sahiwal with 36, Chiniot with 33, and Faisalabad with 32 schools.
Other districts include Mansehra with 21, Jhelum with 20, Chakwal with 13, Swat with 8, Bahawalnagar with 8, Lahore with 7, Nawabshah with 7, Muzaffargarh with 6, and Buner with 6 schools.
The PHF said the figures clearly indicate that school hockey is regaining momentum in various regions. However, the wide gap in registrations between districts also highlights the need for greater grassroots mobilization and development efforts in underrepresented areas.
According to the federation, nearly 82 percent of the total registered schools are concentrated in the top 10 districts, while some districts have only one or two schools registered. The PHF said it will take special measures to increase registrations in low-participation districts, while also further strengthening the program in areas where interest in hockey is already strong.
Under the program, registered schools will be linked to the PHF’s Grassroots Development Pathway. The objective is to establish U-15 boys’ and girls’ hockey teams, provide sports equipment, arrange structured coaching, and hold regular competitions.
The PHF is also working on coach training and certification for the School Hockey Program to ensure that participating schools have access to qualified and trained coaches. The initiative aims to create a consistent and strong pathway for young players from school hockey to district, provincial, junior and eventually national teams.
It was noted that the registration of 711 schools is just the beginning. The long-term goal is to build a broad school hockey network across the country, continuously increase the number of participating schools, and provide equal opportunities for talented children in every region of Pakistan to play hockey and progress.
“Our goal is not just school registration, but the revival of hockey culture from the grassroots,” the PHF said.
“These 711 schools mark the beginning of a national pathway through which children will enter hockey, receive quality coaching, take part in regular competitions, and eventually become capable of representing Pakistan.”
The PHF added that it will continue district-wise monitoring of the registration process and will undertake special initiatives to bring more schools on board in districts where registration rates remain low at present.
